SDC TRAILERS
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SDC Trailers, one of the UK’s biggest trailer builders, was quick to respond when Mike Penning made his announcement last week, with a letter going out to potential customers within minutes of the transport minister giving the go-ahead.
SDC has already built three new length trailers for customer trials and is keen to establish itself as a leader in this field. “The engineering team have been looking at all the possible solutions,” says SDC MD Mark Cuskeran. “We have built both 14.6m and 15.6m trailers with command and self-steering axles, so we already have a good working knowledge of the subject. Furthermore, we have adapted the factory to deal with the longer trailers and have the capacity to build trailers quickly for those companies that are successful in applying for trial certification.” The latest long-length trailer to roll off the line is 15.6m with self-steer axles rated for operation at 42-tonnes. “This is about one tonne lighter than a trailer equipped with an active steer-axle, and may prove to be a popular choice with those operators cubing out before they max out on weight,” says Cuskeran.
He welcomes the decision. “As well as the environmental and operational benefits that will result from the use of longer semi-trailers, Penning’s announcement also gives the industry some clarity on the government’s thinking in this area for the next 10 years,” he says. “A lot of customers have been waiting to see what will happen with longer trailers before making their trailer-buying decisions. Operators can now base their decision on some firm facts.” build longer semi-trailers not only to sell, but also for rental. “There will be some large operators that don’t normally purchase trailers who will want to rent them,” he says.
However operators get their hands on a longer semi-trailer there is bound to be some disappointment with the number they are allocated. n • Muldoon Transport Systems has an advantage over its rival trailer manufacturers – it has had a 15.65m trailer trialled under a Vehicle Special Order on Northern Ireland’s roads for more than two years. “This gives us the added bene�t that we can advise operators and manufacturers accurately, based on real-time evidence,” says MD Gerald Muldoon.
“If these vehicles are constructed in the right way I feel they will be virtually unnoticed on British roads, with no detrimental effects. Our production is ready to supply as and when necessary.
“We look forward to supplying some of the larger trailer manufacturers with steering kits which will incorporate our new patented kick-out reduction system, which verges on the criteria of active steer.”